Militant Attack force closure of Missionary School in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jammu, India., Dec. 3 - In the face of recurrent militant attacks, a Christian missionary school in Pulwama has been closed since mid-November.

DIG (J&K police) Ravinder Kotwal disputes claims that militants have forced the Good Shepherd Mission management to close their school, saying they have no direct interest.

But observers say a possible reason behind the attacks was the belief that the school was spreading Christianity, a theory outrightly rejected by the school management.

Since 1997, the school has been targeted thrice by militants. Despite adequate security, parents are afraid to send their children to the school.

"The children are not safe here. We need to find another alternative. We are highly disturbed and we have app aled to the attackers to tell us why they are targeting this particular school," said a parent.